An Italian outlet, Cult of Calcio, has reported that Napoli are not keen on a swap deal involving Nigeria international Victor Osimhen and Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.
According to the outlet, the 2022/23 Serie A champions would prefer an outright sale of the Nigerian striker currently on loan in Galatasaray.
“There’s some substance to the rumours about Manchester United offering a trade between Victor Osimhen and Joshua Zirkzee, but Napoli aren’t particularly enthused by the idea. They’d rather cash in fully on the Nigerian striker, even if they’ll have to wait until the summer,” the website wrote.
“Despite Galatasaray downplaying the possibility of a January departure, it’ll depend on the offers. The suitors will have to talk with the Turkish outfit too. Another transfer will be possible if a team activates the striker’s release clause.
“Napoli would prefer to get the full price for Osimhen, from Manchester United or another side, than Zirkzee.”
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Osimhen in a deal which could see struggling Red Devils striker Zirkzee move in the opposite direction.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli at the start of September, and he has represented the Turkish giants on nine occasions during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring eight goals and registering four assists in the process.
As it stands, the 25-year-old will head back to Naples next summer, with suggestions that his loan spell could be ended in January believed to be wide of the mark.
Osimhen was frozen out of the Napoli squad after failing to secure a permanent exit over the summer, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain believed to have been the most interested European clubs.
